Trip Report Christmastime and Thanksgiving at Disneyland 2022 (Completed)

MinnieM123 · Dec 5, 2022

Wicked Sisters said:
Just had to say your photos in Haunted Mansion are brilliant and so colo

Wicked Sisters said:
the word at the end of my last post should say colourful

I'd like to chime in here, and say that I think her photos are both cool AND colorful !!! :joyfull:

Sr Cara de Papa · Dec 5, 2022

Loving this trip report! Really getting excited to take my 2 boys in a couple of weeks. Your pictures of the parade are awesome.

rshell68 · Dec 6, 2022

Thanks for sharing!! Always love your reports! Hoping to snag one of the musical popcorn buckets on our day trip this week.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 10, 2022

Day One November 23

Time to tiki! We were close to the front of Disneyland after the parade so instead of taking the monorail in Tomorrowland to the station in Downtown Disney we walked through Downtown Disney to the Disneyland hotel. We had reservations for Trader Sam's, it is nice to be able to make reservations there I wish the WDW had a reservation system.

We enjoy the the decorations and fun things that happen inside the bar and it was especially fun to see some Christmas decorations added to the bar. It wasn't too wild in there and there were even some empty spots, but we were there fairly early.

A couple of Walt Disney World touches near us on the ceiling.

Brad got a Shipwreck on the Rocks (Maker's Mark Bourbon with Agave Nectar and freshly Muddled Lemon and Mint), despite the drink having bourbon he wasn't a big fan, he said there was too much lemon in it)

I went with a Zombie to start.(Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, Bacardi Reserva Ocho Rum, Hamilton 151 Rum, Tropical Juices, Falernum, and Cinnamon)

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 10, 2022

Day one November 23

We got some food at Trader Sam's too but I guess we didn't take any pictures of it. But we did have the Chinese long beans and the wings. I do not like green beans very much but these are always a must get at Trader Sam's, maybe I like them because they are breaded and fried. When I went with my friend in June to Trader Sam's she was shocked when I suggested ordering the beans because she knows I avoid bean but they are just so good at Trader Sam's

We also had a round two of drinks. There were two seasonal drinks but neither sounded that great to us, one had a lot of peppermint and the other had gin (we aren't gin drinkers). We had another reservation later in the trip for Trader Sam's and we thought maybe we would try a seasonal drink then, but we ended up canceling that reservation. I'm sure we made someone's day by canceling that coveted reservation...you're welcome random person!

So Brad got a HippopotoMai-Tai (Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange Curaçao, Orgeat (Almond) Syrup, Agave Nectar and fresh Lime Juice) and he liked that a lot better than the Shipwreck, he also makes the Mai Tai at home a lot too.

I had a Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum (Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Cream of Coconut, and Juices of Pineapple and Orange dusted with Cinnamon and Nutmeg) and apparently the Zombie left me confused on where to look at the camera! HAHA!

We said goodbye to Trader Sam's and enjoyed our happy alcohol tiki walk over to California Adventure and to the Paradise Pier area. There was something I was super eager to see and hear over there. There is a FABULOUS swing band that performs during the festivals at DCA and I love their music. That band is Phat Cat Swinger. There show is high energy and a lot of fun. If you haven't ever seen or watched them check them out on youtube or download some of their stuff from iTunes (or Apple music, whatever it is called these days).

It was a great show and they had two sets that evening so we hung around for the second set too.

I found these links from Youtube of their two sets this year, so sit back and enjoy.

Phat Cat Swinger set one 2022

Phat Cat Swinger Set Two 2022

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 10, 2022

Day one November 23

After Phat Cat's second set B and I headed back to Disneyland but we wandered through Cars's Land and Avenger's Campus first. Brad hadn't ever been to Avenger Campus so he was eager to check it out.

Light trees in the Pacific Wharf

It was fun to see the decorations in Carsland.

And Avenger's Campus

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 10, 2022

Day One November 23

Back at Disneyland we wandered a bit and I think we went on small world again and rode the train and headed toward Galaxys Edge and watched a bit of the fireworks from that area. The fireworks from Galaxys Edge are a little disappointing because there is no music, we knew that though but we were waiting for our Oga’s reservation.

next: Oga’s Cantina!

cgersic · Dec 11, 2022

Loving the photos!!! This looks like such a great time!

Zipadeelady · Dec 12, 2022

ajrwdwgirl said:
Day one November 23

We got some food at Trader Sam's too but I guess we didn't take any pictures of it. But we did have the Chinese long beans and the wings. I do not like green beans very much but these are always a must get at Trader Sam's, maybe I like them because they are breaded and fried. When I went with my friend in June to Trader Sam's she was shocked when I suggested ordering the beans because she knows I avoid bean but they are just so good at Trader Sam's

We also had a round two of drinks. There were two seasonal drinks but neither sounded that great to us, one had a lot of peppermint and the other had gin (we aren't gin drinkers). We had another reservation later in the trip for Trader Sam's and we thought maybe we would try a seasonal drink then, but we ended up canceling that reservation. I'm sure we made someone's day by canceling that coveted reservation...you're welcome random person!

So Brad got a HippopotoMai-Tai (Coruba Dark Rum, Bacardi Superior Rum, Orange Curaçao, Orgeat (Almond) Syrup, Agave Nectar and fresh Lime Juice) and he liked that a lot better than the Shipwreck, he also makes the Mai Tai at home a lot too.

I had a Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum (Pyrat XO Reserve Rum, Cream of Coconut, and Juices of Pineapple and Orange dusted with Cinnamon and Nutmeg) and apparently the Zombie left me confused on where to look at the camera! HAHA!
View attachment 684376 View attachment 684377 View attachment 684378 View attachment 684379

We said goodbye to Trader Sam's and enjoyed our happy alcohol tiki walk over to California Adventure and to the Paradise Pier area. There was something I was super eager to see and hear over there. There is a FABULOUS swing band that performs during the festivals at DCA and I love their music. That band is Phat Cat Swinger. There show is high energy and a lot of fun. If you haven't ever seen or watched them check them out on youtube or download some of their stuff from iTunes (or Apple music, whatever it is called these days).
View attachment 684380 View attachment 684381 View attachment 684382 View attachment 684383 View attachment 684384

It was a great show and they had two sets that evening so we hung around for the second set too.

I found these links from Youtube of their two sets this year, so sit back and enjoy.

Phat Cat Swinger set one 2022

Phat Cat Swinger Set Two 2022

I had to look them up. I would defiantly have sat and watched too. Love the sound!.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 13, 2022

Day one November 23

We had a reservation for Oga's and we were prepared to stand to enjoy our beverages but we actually got a booth. We were seated with a couple and their children (around 8-10 years old). They family was fine but didn't talk much, it took them awhile to warm up to Brad's midwestern charms. And soon Brad convinced the dad to order the Fuzzy Tauntaun, the whole family had fun with the mouth numbing foam.

Brad got the Coruscant cooler, this isn't on the menu at Oga's in Hollywood Studios but is available at Ronto Roaster there and maybe at Docking Bay too.

I got the the Outer Rim, the gel/foam is passionfruit on top is tasty. We also had the Five Blossom Bread (Warm Pretzel Knot with Hawaiian Black Sea Salt, served with Calabrian Cheese Sauce), this was good. It would be nice if it was also served in Hollywood Studios.

We grabbed a selfie with DJ Rex.

This was Brad's attempt at a joint selfie (what is happening with my mouth here, I have no idea). Brad isn't super great at selfies, I'm usually the picture taker. And I'm sure glad he got that couple lounging in the booth, their conversation actually looks a little intense.

We wandered back to the hub and took some pictures of the pretty castle and it's icicle lights (not projections!).

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 13, 2022

Day One November 23

A few more pictures of the castle hub area and of Main Street. I think Main Street with the garland is just gorgeous.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 13, 2022

Day Two November 24 Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving and time for California Adventure!

Everyone was rushing down Buena Vista Street and I was trying to get a nice photo of the Christmas decorations. I have a little routine with I get to Buena Vista Circle. I always stop for a selfie with Walt and Mickey and I take a picture of the Carthay Circle. Then today I added in pictures of the Christmas tree. Brad asked if I was sure I wanted to talk my pictures and I said yes, I wasn't worried about getting to the rope drop, almost everyone was headed to Radiator Springs and Webslingers rope drop areas, and we weren't.

We learned a fun fact on our Holiday tour later about the ornaments on this tree that I will share now. Most of them are modeled after Christmas ornaments of the era that many Imagineers's found in their family collections and the bell lights are modeled/enlarged copies of vintage Nona lights that we common in the 30's. Lately I've been seeing posts in my vintage Disney Facebook groups ever since that tour.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 13, 2022

Day Two November 24

I forgot to post this picture, as I said after the turnstile most people were racing down Buena Vista street and I was racing over to the Red Car Trolley parked in the entry trying to beat people for a cool picture with as few people in the picture as possible. Everyone has priorities.

Eventually we made it to the Hollywood area to the rope drop for Guardians Mission Breakout, there were only a couple people there so this was my view for awhile.

At official opening we were walked and told to stay as left as possible because that is how and where the line would form. Despite not being fast we kept up and weren't too far behind and loaded in to the "library" fairly soon. We had a fun time and got the Elvis song. We probably could have ridden again with little wait and had I been solo I would have but B can't take back to back rides.

We headed to Radiator Springs and did the single rider line and I noticed this wall art I'd never seen before (to the left of the Stanley Statue).

Then we headed to Avenger Campus again and saw Iron Man, his meet and greet line had been cut off so we didn't meet him today.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 14, 2022

Day two November 24

Brad was excited to see Avenger's Campus in the day and was impressed with the characters wandering around. We used a lightning lane for Web Slingers and I was pleased to get a better score than him but since I'd ridden it before I guess I should have done better.

We liked the little Christmas decorations on the main Avenger's building, we found out that they were part of the stunt show that they changed up to have a Hawkeye Christmas theme.

Inside the Webslinger pre-show area.

We had our Magicbands+ and it was kind of fun to see and feel them light up in different places.

We found a place for the 10 am Spiderman stunt show. I knew that we could just show up a minute before and get a decent view, as I have done so in the past, but it was his first viewing and he wanted to wait for about 15 minutes to get a good spot. He realized later I was was correct. Anyway, the Santa Anna winds were going on today so the show did not feature the aerial display of Spiderman flying which was a disappointment. He did some acrobatics on the balcony though, but it wasn't the same or worth the time I let Brad talk me into.

We went back to the Avenger building happened to catch the holiday stunt show, unfortunately the sun was hampering our view (hence the poor picture) but it was fun to see.

After that we grabbed a snack at Pym's Test Kitchen and Lab. Tots with beer cheese sauce, the tots were nicely cooked but the beer cheese sauce was a little disappointing.

Inside the Test Kitchen, notice the pretzel display.

We also got some drinks. Brad's is the fruity drink, he didn't care for it. I didn't think it was that bad. I was surprised he ordered it from the description it didn't sound like something he would like. I had a beer-mosa, which was very tasty. In the past every time I had a beer in Avenger's Campus Loki appeared somewhere, Loki is my favorite character so I was hoping my beer trick would do the job but sadly I did not see Loki. Loki and Beer though has worked 3 out of 4 tries.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 14, 2022

Day two November 24

We made our way out of Avenger's Campus and wanted to wander around Buena Vista Street and see what was out and about.

Brad and the Hulk tree in Avenger's Campus.

For some reason I like to see the little vineyard in DCA, I call them my vines.

It was nice to see the Buena Vista Street Citizens wandering around interacting with guests, you can see the one in the blue dress but there is also one riding a Christmas decked out bike too.

Just some views of Buena Vista

I really like the vintage style decor. I especially had a thing for the gold bells, probably because my mom usually hung some up in our house at Christmas.

We went back to Guardians to use our lightning lane and in the pre-show we were near the desk in the library and I looked down and was excited by the hidden tribute of X-S Tech. I pointed it out to B but he had no idea what it was referring to so I had to explain it to him later. Any of you know the meaning of the X-S Tech on the stationary?

I was also excited to get a non-blurry picture of Rocket because any I take are usually blurry.

We also got to meet Mickey in his Buena Vista Christmas finery.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 14, 2022

Day 2 November 24

Soon it was time to head over to the Grand Californian for our Thanksgiving meal at Storytellers Cafe. When it opened up for booking I snagged a prime spot. I forgot it was a character meal too so that was a nice surprise when they started coming to our table! I think those pictures are on B's phone so I'll have to post those later.

We hadn't ever eaten at Storyteller's but it was a beautiful restaurant and we were pleased with our feast.

Waiting for our reservation time.

After our meal we went into the lobby of the Grand Californian to check out the gingerbread display.

rshell68 · Dec 14, 2022

ajrwdwgirl said:
Day Two November 24

I forgot to post this picture, as I said after the turnstile most people were racing down Buena Vista street and I was racing over to the Red Car Trolley parked in the entry trying to beat people for a cool picture with as few people in the picture as possible. Everyone has priorities.

View attachment 685164

I have a Pixel phone I could probably "magic erase" those people for you LOL

Tuvalu · Dec 14, 2022

X-S Tech was found in Alien Encounter (then Stitch’s Great Escape) and Space Mountain.

Ahhh, Storytellers! Our family’s favorite restaurant on our 2005 DL vacay. We ate there at least three times that week!

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 14, 2022

Tuvalu said:
X-S Tech was found in Alien Encounter (then Stitch’s Great Escape) and Space Mountain.

Ahhh, Storytellers! Our family’s favorite restaurant on our 2005 DL vacay. We ate there at least three times that week!

I couldn't believe Brad didn't know that, but then I realized he didn't ever see Alien Encounter. I think Storytellers will go into our Disneyland restaurant rotation, or if we are there over Thanksgiving again next year it will be where we eat again.

ajrwdwgirl · Dec 14, 2022

rshell68 said:
I have a Pixel phone I could probably "magic erase" those people for you LOL

That's tempting, but luckily there aren't many people in the picture.

Trip Report Christmastime and Thanksgiving at Disneyland 2022 (Completed)

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